Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.
- Smaller power bills: Sourcing some or all of your own energy will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Grand Junction Homeowners?
Colorado homeowners who go solar could qualify for reimbursements, rebates, special financing and tax credits. Here are just a few of the region's incentive programs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: cdola.colorado.govIncentive Amount:
100% exemption for renewable energy system property
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Website: tax.colorado.govIncentive Amount:
100%
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: energysmartcolorado.comIncentive Amount:
Residential
PV: 50% up to $500
Solar Thermal: 50% of project costs
Commercial
50% of project costs
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Website: bouldercolorado.govIncentive Amount:
~15% refund on sales and use tax for the solar installation
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: energysmartcolorado.comIncentive Amount:
PV: 25% of cost
Solar Water Heat: $25% of cost
Solar Thermal Tune-up: 25% of project cost
Micro-hydro and Geothermal: 25% of cost
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: cdola.colorado.govIncentive Amount:
100% exemption for the percentage of electricity capacity (AC) of a community solar garden attributed to residential or governmental subscribers or organizations that are already exempt from property taxes
Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive
Website: xcelenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Systems 0.5 kW - 25 kW: $0.005/kWh
Medium-sized Systems 25.1-500 kW: $0.0375/kWh
Large Systems (>500kW): Determined through competitive bid
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies (local option)
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies (local option)
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: efficiencyworks.orgIncentive Amount:
Air Sealing: $300-$500
Insulation: Up to $1,815
Duct Sealing: $200 (gas-heated homes only)
Window Replacement: Up to $1,000
Air Handler Blower Motor: $150
Whole House Mechanical Ventilation: 20% of cost
Heat Pumps: $500
Replacement Furnace: $300-$500 (gas-heated homes only)
Ductless Mini-Split: $250/head
Replacement Gas Boiler: $300 (gas-heated homes only)
Replacement Water Heater: $100-$500
AC System: $150-$500
Whole House Fan: $275
Evaporative Cooler: $500
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: xcelenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Up to $50,000
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: xcelenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Refrigerator Recycling: varies, contact utility for details
Natural Gas Furnace: $300
EC Motor in New or Existing Furnace: $100
Air Conditioning/Air Source Heat Pump: $300-$600
Mini-Split Heat Pump: $300
Water Heater: $70-$450
Evaporative Cooling: $200-$1,200
Attic Insulation: $350-$600
Wall Insulation: $350-$600
Air Sealing, bypass sealing, and weather-stripping: $175-$450
Ground Source Heat Pump: $300/ton
Smart Thermostat: $50
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: xcelenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Attic Insulation: $400-$700
Air Sealing/Bypass Sealing/Weather-Stripping: $250-$550
High Efficiency Lighting: 30% of cost
Wall Insulation: $450-$700
Evaporative Cooling System: $325-$1200
Central Air Conditioner (New): $400 - $700
Central Air Conditioner (Trade In): $550
Ground Source/Geothermal Heat Pump: $300 per ton
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater: $550
Programmable Thermostat: $25
High Efficiency Furnace: $400
Electrically Commuted Motor: $125
Tankless Water Heater: $200
Standard Tank Water Heater: $100
ENERGY STAR Refrigerator: $15
ENERGY STAR Clothes Washer: $30
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: colorado.govIncentive Amount:
$35,000
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: colorado.govIncentive Amount:
$250,000
Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive
Website: xcelenergy.comIncentive Amount:
2015 Large RFP Program: Incentive Type: Loan Program Incentive Amount: $25,000 Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit Incentive Amount: 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar installation will ultimately perform. Consider each of these aspects in your business search. While electricians and plumbers in Colorado have state-issued licenses from the Colorado Electrical Board or Colorado State Plumbing Board, it's up to counties and cities to issue their own solar professional if they choose. Solar companies can also pursue accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information. Your solar modules' type will influence how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations. You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors provide these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Grand Junction. This table shows more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area. There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Ask each provider you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A representative can help you determine the optimal option for your budget. The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Grand Junction. You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more. Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code! Some states or power companies oblige you to participate in net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you sign up, you'll receive a bill credit or check for your excess generation at a retail or wholesale rate. You might consider a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintaining your panels and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any solar financial incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other payment options above. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
Determined through competitive bid. RFP released on March 3, 2016 How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Grand Junction
Licensing and Training
Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Junction
Solar Panel Cost Average Cost Solar Monocrystalline $1,109 Solar Polycrystalline $865 Thin-Film $506 Solar Battery $710 Solar Home EV Charger $2,662 Financing Solar Energy in Grand Junction
Solar System Capacity Estimated Payback period 1 kW 1.8 years 2 kW 3.6 years 5 kW 8.9 years 10 kW 17.8 years Ready to Get a Quote on Your Solar Project?
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Grand Junction
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy widely available in Grand Junction?
Will solar energy systems raise my Grand Junction home worth?
What's a Grand Junction solar panel's average lifespan?
How do I care for my new solar system?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Grand Junction?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
Sources
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